Leaving Friday for Yosemite. I have had my tire chains since 2011 and have never used them. Put them on the truck a few weeks ago just to know how to do it. The forecast is for snow and ice this weekend so I though I would put them on one more time. The chains have built in elastic tensioners and as I stretched one it snapped. Oh crud, major internal swearing then I packed them back up and drove over to Les Schwab Tires in Livermore where I purchased them. Mind you I have no receipt and on the way over I had figured out a work around if needed but I was hoping that they might have replacement tensioners. I walked in, got greeted and I showed them the chain and the broken tensioner. First words were: "no problem we will just swap you a new set of chains", I was floored. Clerk checked the computer and they did not have any on hand, oh no... but their Tracy store had nine sets and they could have it for me tomorrow (Thursday) if that would work for me. Done deal, they took my information and the old chains and said they would call me as soon as the replacements arrived in the morning.No hassles, no receipts needed, nothing but how can we help you. Big two thumbs up to those guys.

I have been a customer for more years than I can remember. I drove by yesterday and the lot was full, we had snow so every one came in to have their snow tires put on. I'll wait for the rush to end then take mine in, they put them on and take them off free of charge since I bought the tires from them.

old guy wrote:I have been a customer for more years than I can remember. I drove by yesterday and the lot was full, we had snow so every one came in to have their snow tires put on. I'll wait for the rush to end then take mine in, they put them on and take them off free of charge since I bought the tires from them.I've always loved their service but rarely use them anymore for exactly the above reason. When I need something there's always a huge wait because of all the free extras they offer. I'd rather pay a small fee for rotation, balance or tire swapping than wait 2 hours.

Great to hear about that kind of service.....I have had similar experience with Magnolia Tire in Loris SC.....

The service at each store depends on the given store manager and shop led person. The store where I live was great for the first two or three years. The shop led person left, and the service has gone down hill to the point I drive one hour to a different store. Overall, as a company, I think Les Schwab Tires are about as good as it gets.I have had the same chains you have, since about 2005. It has been a while since I looked at them, and I have never used them other than trial fit. I'm thinking the elastic tensioners were a separate part from the chains. Guess I better take a look.Wayne

One of the things I love about Les Schwab is that every store I visit treats me the same as the guys do at my local store who know me. We travel the NW a lot and have always been able to stop in to any store whenever there is an issue with no complaints.

Wow, I just had superior customer service | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

RoadXYZ
Explorer II
Dec 06, 2013
We also have been LS customers forever and like that they are courteous.

Our daughter also loves their professionalism & courteous customer service.
The_Texan
Explorer
Dec 06, 2013
Dianne, just make sure they know you are "local" or you will NOT get good service from them. When our address was Meridian, the manager told us that his "local" customers came before anyone from the Valley. This was when I went in about a LOF and he said "maybe" he could find us a time next week. Turned me off big time.
DianneOK
Explorer
Dec 06, 2013
We switched to LS in McCall, ID last year. We had good service from Bruneel in McCall until they tried to tell us our brakes needed replacing....90% gone...said "Really? We are headed to the Subaru dealer tomorrow so will have them check" No way...they were 90% good! The manager at Bruneel didn't accept that....so, LS gets our business unless they screw us....
Eric_Lisa
Explorer II
Dec 06, 2013
I absolutely hate Les Schwab....because they have great service and are always trying to help me out for free.

Like when I had a flat tire on my tractor. Simply needed to be reseated on the rim. They wouldn't charge me. Or when I had a flat wheelbarrow tire and they fixed it for free.

I want to pay them and not take advantage of their service. When they refuse to write up a bill, I will tip the tech or throw a $20 in whatever charity box they are collecting funds for.

Yeah, I know. I could go to a different tire shop. The nearest one that is not Les Schwab is over 30 miles away, and I have to drive by two Les Schwab's to get there.
campingken
Explorer
Dec 06, 2013
Monkey44,

We hope to never have to use the chains but carry them in case we do. Where we live it is a good idea to have them in your vehicle unless it's a 4x4. Personally I think the return policy is great (we have taken advantage of it for the past 4 winters). Do you know of any other company that makes the same offer?
Nautique200
Explorer
Dec 06, 2013
I love hearing about stuff like this. I am more than willing to pay a little extra if it means I am going to be treated great. Well worth it.
smooth1
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013
Can't say enough about all the help LS stores have been for me and all my vehicles over the years. Only place I will go.
ScottG
Nomad
Dec 05, 2013
I use LS all the time and have almost always gotten good service from them. The only thing I don't like is the way some of the managers treat some of their employees - rude and demeaning.
monkey44
Nomad II
Dec 05, 2013
campingken wrote:
We just bought a new set of "just in case" chains for our Tacoma at LS. They told me that I could keep the chains for up to 7 years and return them for a full refund as long as I didn't use them. They also said that I could swap them within the same 7 year period if I bought a different vehicle and the chains wouldn't fit.

That's funny, the "didn't use them part" ... I know, great seven year refund. Just buy them, return them, but don't ever use them. Nice if you don't use them - chains are a hassle, so is snow generally. But usually, folks buy chains because they need them. Maybe I'll buy a set here in Florida and wait it out - get my refund in 2020 ...
campingken
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013
We just bought a new set of "just in case" chains for our Tacoma at LS. They told me that I could keep the chains for up to 7 years and return them for a full refund as long as I didn't use them. They also said that I could swap them within the same 7 year period if I bought a different vehicle and the chains wouldn't fit.